Examining the Nuanced Effects of Awe on Depression: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Abstract

Research on awe has largely focused on its benefits for well-being, particularly its ability to diminish self-focus in relation to something larger, known as the “small self.” These findings have led to growing interest in awe’s potential clinical utility for depression, a mental health condition characterized by excessive self-referential processing. However, emerging evidence suggests that awe can include elements of fear or threat, which raises questions about its effects in such populations. The present study examined contexts in which awe elicits positive and/or negative affect (PA/NA), as well as whether awe alleviates or exacerbates depressed mood via “small self” mechanisms in individuals with a depressive disorder (n = 37) and healthy controls (n = 43). Using ecological momentary assessment, participants reported on momentary affect, awe, aspects of the “small self” (personal insignificance, insignificant concerns), rumination, and depressed mood five times a day for 14 days, including self-initiated reports of awe experiences. Results were mixed. Correlational analyses revealed that awe was consistently associated with PA across groups, whereas associations with NA varied by group and context. Multilevel and multigroup analyses revealed that awe was not associated with concurrent changes in “small self” processes in either group. However, personal insignificance was associated with higher momentary rumination, particularly among depressed individuals, and rumination, in turn, was associated with higher depressed mood across groups. No evidence was found for indirect effects of awe on depressed mood through the “small self” or rumination. Model comparisons indicated overall group differences, with the pathway from personal insignificance to rumination differing between groups. Overall, awe experienced in daily life was reliably associated with PA but did not predict depressed mood through “small self” processes. These findings suggest that awe may not operate as expected in daily life, particularly among individuals with depression. Future research should clarify the mechanisms through which awe influences cognition and mood, given the lack of support for “small self” pathways.